A Styro-free Campus

The Sunway University College Student Council recently waged a war on Styrofoam by launching their Scrap-the-Styro Campaign on campus. Student Council President, Joyce Wong said “Styrofoam is hazardous not only to the environment, but has carcinogens and is harmful to health of mankind. It is the white weapon of mass destruction (WMD). By going styro-free in its cafeteria and campus, Sunway University College is setting an example for the rest of the higher institutions to play their part in making the world a better place”.

: From left to right, Nicolas See Tho Whye Hoong, Mahbub Rahman, Cui Yanli, Angeline Tan Lee Yee and Joey Tan Ka Po

The Scrap the Styro campaign was launched during the “Let’s Go Green” week organised by the Student Council. The campaign will start officially from Monday, October 4th this year. Styrofoam food service items at Sunway such as takeaway boxes, plates and cups will become a thing of the past. These will be replaced by items made from biodegradable material or re-usable plastic which food service vendors will provide at a small charge. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch boxes to take away food but if they are unable, they can buy an eco-friendly takeaway box for a small fee or eat in the cafeteria. Before the launch, the council organised a survey to find out the views from students and staff and as it turned out 96% of the respondents were in favour of having a Styrofoam-free campus.

An American Degree Transfer Programme lecturer at Sunway University College, Dr Uthaya K. Raman, who is an avid environmentalist, said “The Scrap the Styro campaign is a good start. It may be an uphill task to get both vendors and consumers to commit and cooperate for the environment but I believe it can be done in small steps and we should be congratulated for making this start”

Sonia Lee the General Secretary of the Student Council who organised the green week said “I hope all students will say “no” to styro not just at Sunway but as a lifestyle choice and adapted into their lives permanently”.